Rain, strong winds on the way

A mid-week weather system approaching North Carolina is predicted to bring strong winds and torrential rainfall that could cause flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

By Mark SchulmanTimes-News Staff Writer

A mid-week weather system approaching North Carolina is predicted to bring strong winds and torrential rainfall that could cause flooding, according to the National Weather Service.Already soggy ground and windy conditions could bring down trees and snap power lines, leaving many energy customers without power.Rain, sometimes heavy, will begin late Tuesday night, the NWS says. Winds will increase to anywhere from 5 to 15 mph, with low temperatures at a mild 53 degrees. More rain will continue through Wednesday, but with a south wind increasing from 15 to 24 mph and gusts as high as 37 mph. Rainfall amounts are expected to be between 1 and 2.5 inches throughout the weather event, which could bring severe thunderstorms as well. Temperatures will drop rapidly Wednesday night, with lows around 32 degrees and precipitation diminishing after 11 p.m.Henderson County Fire Marshal Wally Hollis said people should be cautious if they use an alternate heat source in their home when there is a loss of power. Never use fossil fuels inside without proper ventilation. The harmful gas carbon monoxide emitted is colorless and odorless, he said.There should also be no combustible materials within a 3-foot buffer area surrounding a space heater or fire source.Hollis said homes should have a winter storm kit for the possibility of a power outage.“Preparation is the key,” he added. Keep items on hand such as blankets, non-perishable foods that don’t need to be heated to eat, an emergency radio, water and flashlights.Flooding could also become an issue if the area gets 2 to 3 inches of rain, said Scott Krentz, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Greer, S.C. He said it is too early to tell if there will be flooding, but added that water levels in the ground and river levels are already a little high from pervious rainfall.“It could be close,” Krentz said about the chance of flooding. The storm is not expected to be a prolonged event, according to the forecast. On Thursday, the NWS is calling for sunny skies to return and stay for the remainder of the week.Reach Schulman at 828-694-7890 or mark.schulman@blueridgenow.com.